McCORMICK TRIBUNE FOUNDATION SELECTS CLARK BELL AS DIRECTOR OF JOURNALISM PROGRAM
CHICAGO, Nov. 2, 2005
The McCormick Tribune Foundation announces the addition of Clark Bell, a veteran reporter, editor and publisher, as director of its journalism program. Bell will oversee the program’s grantmaking initiatives and shape the program’s focus on critical issues facing the news media.
“Historically, our journalism initiatives have responded to challenges facing the news industry. This is essential, particularly considering how critical the news industry is in shaping our democratic society,” said David L. Grange, president and chief executive officer of the McCormick Tribune Foundation. “Clark’s strong background as a leader in the field will help the foundation tailor the program to continue to strive for a healthy and vigorous news media.”
During the past 13 years, the foundation’s journalism program has awarded nearly $61 million to enhance leadership in news organizations, support the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, advance freedom of expression and diversity in all news media, and promote informed coverage of national security issues.
Bell comes to the foundation with an extensive journalistic background. He was publisher of Modern Physician magazine and editor and associate publisher of Modern Healthcare magazine. Previously, he was executive business editor of the Dallas Times Herald and marketing columnist at the Chicago Sun-Times. Bell was also a reporter for the Chicago Daily News and the Des Moines Register. Most recently, Bell was managing director for American Healthcare Solutions where he developed communications strategies for hospitals, foundations and healthcare information technology firms.
“The McCormick Tribune Foundation is a leader in advancing freedom of expression and diversity among journalists of today—as well as those of tomorrow,” said Bell. “I am proud to be joining a team so committed to investing in the future of a field absolutely essential to an informed and engaged citizenry.”
Bell, a Hinsdale, Ill. resident, holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Drake University and a master’s degree in urban studies from Loyola University. He was among the first group of journalists awarded the Sloan Fellowship to study economics at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.
“Clark quickly emerged as an excellent candidate for this position. He displays an acute understanding of the issues, problems and opportunities facing the media, and his innovative approach to forging successful partnerships will be an asset in this new capacity,” said Grange. “His background in the health industry echoes that of the fast paced news industry and its evolving needs.”
Bell currently serves on the Chicago Journalists Association’s board of directors. He has also been a board member of Chicago Health Outreach, Heartland Alliance, Health Insights and the Academy for International Health Studies.
About the McCormick Tribune Foundation
The McCormick Tribune Foundation is one of the nation’s largest charitable organizations, with combined assets of approximately $1.4 billion. In 2004, the foundation approved the distribution of more than $109 million to invest in children, communities and our country in an effort to strengthen our democratic society through innovative partnerships. The foundation, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2005, was established as a charitable trust upon the death of Col. Robert R. McCormick, longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. The foundation is an independent non-profit, separate from Tribune Co., with substantial holdings in Tribune Co.
The foundation provides assistance in four program areas—communities, education, journalism and citizenship—and funds a special initiatives program. Through its grants, the foundation seeks to improve the social and economic environment; encourage a free and responsible discussion of issues affecting the nation; enhance the effectiveness of American education; and stimulate responsible citizenship. For more information, visit
http://www.mccormicktribune.org
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